V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world!
The women of Jerusalem cry before the prisoner who has been condemned to death. But Jesus asks them to look at themselves. Jesus' words to the women are at once a threat and a call to conversion because it is still possible to change, to accept God's word, and to live in solidarity striving to build the reign of God in this world.
(Brief Pause)
Father, we ask you to open our hearts to your word so that, freed from selfishness, we may learn to live in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in this world.